Australian Open: Novak Djokovic happy to gamble on Boris Becker

Six-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic said he was happy to take a risk on his untried new coach Boris Becker on Sunday as he prepared to enter a new era under the flamboyant German.

The defending Australian Open champion admitted adding Becker to his team, after his coach Marian Vajda requested more time with his family, was a potential gamble.

But he is excited about his new partnership with the six-time major-winner, who has hung up his commentator’s microphone to return to the tour.

“Whenever you make a change in life, it’s a potential risk, right? How is it going to affect you?” said Djokovic ahead of his title defence.

“But I don’t want to think from that perspective. I’m really excited about this cooperation. I’m excited about this partnership that I have with Boris that also has been approved and supported by Marian, who is still in the team.

“They have a great communication. All I see is positive results, and hope for that obviously. I cannot predict or promise anything now.”

“I’ve been asked that question before. But, no, it didn’t affected my decision,” Djokovic said.
He added that he hoped to gain mainly a mental edge from working with Becker, who will split coaching duties with Vajda this season.